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What Causes Heartburn

Just between your chest and abdomen is where you’ll find one of the most important muscles you
probably didn't know you had: the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. When functioning properly,
this ring of tissue plays a crucial role in helping us eat. But when the LES malfunctions, it becomesthe main player in heartburn – a searing, sometimes sour-tasting chest-spasm that many people will
experience at some point in their lives. We know that humans have been battling heartburn for
hundreds, if not thousands of years. But recently the incidence has risen, making it a common
stomach complaint worldwide. When the symptoms of heartburn become more and more regularand intense – such as twice a week or more – it’s diagnosed as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease,or GERD. But what causes this problem, and how can it be stopped?
Heartburn starts in an area called the gastroesophageal junction, where the LES resides. Thissmooth, muscular ring of the LES is moderated by an intricate tree of nerve roots that connect toTedEd-15

What Causes Heartburn

the brain, the heart, and the lungs. After food enters the stomach from the esophagus, the muscle’s
task is to stop it from surging back up again. The LES contracts, squeezing the stomach entrance
and creating a high pressure zone that prevents digestive acids from seeping out. But if the LES
relaxes at the wrong moment or gradually weakens, it becomes like a faulty, ill-fitting lid, causing thearea to depressurize. That allows burning stomach acid – and even chunks of food – to spurt into
the esophagus, sometimes going as far up as the mouth. The cause of all this internal drama haslong been put down to diet. Foods like caffeine and peppermint contain ingredients that may have arelaxing effect on the LES, which makes it incapable of doing its job. Other acidic foods, like citrus
and tomatoes, can worsen irritation of the esophagus when they leach out with stomach acid.
Carbonated beverages can similarly bubble up in the stomach, forcing open the valve. But
researchers have discovered that food isn’t the only trigger. Smoking poses a risk, because thenicotine in cigarettes relaxes the LES. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol may have a similareffect.
Pregnant women often experience more heartburn due to the pressure of a growing baby on theirstomachs. and the levels of certain hormones in their bodies. Obesity can cause hernias that disrupt
the anti-reflux barrier of the gastroesophageal junction that normally protects against heartburn.
Numerous medications, including those for asthma, high blood pressure, birth control, anddepression can also have unintended effects on the LES. An occasional bout of heartburn isn't
necessarily something to worry about. But, if heartburn starts happening regularly, it can weaken theLES muscle over time, letting more and more acid escape. And if it goes untreated, this can cause
bigger problems. Over time, constant acid leakage from heartburn may form scar tissue which
regurgitation narrows the esophageal tube, making it harder to swallow food. Ongoing reflux canalso damage the cells lining the esophagus – a rare condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which canelevate the risk of esophageal cancer. Luckily, heartburn is often treatable with a range ofTedEd-15

What Causes Heartburn

medicines that can help neutralize or reduce stomach acid. In extreme cases, some people have
surgery to tighten the LES to minimize their distress. But we can often stop heartburn before it
reaches that point. Reducing the consumption of certain foods, not smoking, and maintaining ahealthy weight can all dramatically reduce reflux. With proper care we can help our LES’s keep thechemical fountain of our stomachs in proper order and avoid having to feel the burn.